15 Best Countertop Microwaves in 2024 – Top Picks & Buying Guide

The text after rephrasing: The microwave oven is a valuable tool in the kitchen, enabling you to easily perform a multitude of cooking or defrosting tasks quickly and efficiently. Over time, it has evolved to offer a wide range of variations with enhanced features.

To clarify some things, we have created this guide that will help you understand what the functions are essential for this type of product.

But our help does not end here, because we have also compiled the ranking with reviews of the five best models for sale online for us. Here we will be listing the 15 best countertop microwaves.

SaleRANK NO. 1
TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9...
  • Stylish black stainless steel with timeless design kitchen appliances; Rated voltage: 120V - 60Hz; Rated input power (Microwave ovens): 1350W; Rated output power (Microwave ovens): 900W
  • 2Pre-programmed menu for 6 popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more, also defrost by weight and time
  • One touch start - quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power
SaleRANK NO. 2
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with...
  • Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : ‎110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
  • 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
  • Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
SaleRANK NO. 3
Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu...
  • CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
  • POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
  • PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.1 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
SaleRANK NO. 4
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2...
  • 【Pre-programmed sensor menu】 for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more; Power Wattage (Microwave): 1100W; Rated Voltage: 120V - 60Hz.Rated Output Power : 100W (Small Microwave)
  • 【Stylish Appearance with Large Interior, fitting a 12 inch Pizza】Black, exterior, W 23.3 in x D 18.4 in x H 15 in; large 1. 2 cubic feet capacity, Turntable Diameter 12.4 inch, interior: W20.5 X D17.2 X H12.8
  • 【Other Functions】1100 watts mini microwave with 10 power settings, defrost by time&weight, clock, and kitchen timer, One touch start for multiple food presets
RANK NO. 5
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven...
  • 【Better texture with sensor menus 】This 1200-watt high power countertop microwave with 10 power levels includes a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetable and more
  • 【Large Capacity for a Family Size】1.6 cu. ft. capacity ; 13.6" turntable; fitting a 13inch pizza; with one touch popcorn button as kitchen essential
  • 【Position Memory Turntable】 Innovative position-memory technique resets the turntable to the initial position for more convenient and safer use
RANK NO. 6
Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave...
  • 【Large Capacity】2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity countertop microwave with 1200W power is perfect for large families. It can easily accommodate a 16-inch pizza and a whole chicken.
  • 【Intuitive Humidity Sensor】The built-in humidity sensor with 6 Automatic Preset Menus gives your food an even heating result and seals the moisture inside for optimal results.
  • 【6 Auto Menus】Equipped with 6 menus that fits your most daily needs including: bacon, frozen roll/muffin-reheat, beverage, chicken pieces and oatmeal.
RANK NO. 7
GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Complete With...
  • AIR FRY MODE: Cook healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods in less time, thanks to an air fryer built into your microwave
  • CONVECTION MODE: Achieve crisp, golden brown results in this microwave oven with convection, which includes a special rack that allows air to circulate around foods for even heat distribution
  • BROIL MODE: When you have a microwave with a broiler right inside, you can achieve the same effect you do with grill racks, radiating heat to sear or caramelize any food to perfection
RANK NO. 8
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1,150-watt Capacity,...
  • COMPACT YET POWERFUL: 1150 watts of power and 1.6 CU. FT. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
  • SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS: Automatically adjusts time and power for delicious cooking results
  • WEIGHT AND TIME DEFROST: Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
SaleRANK NO. 9
Panasonic NN-SN67K Microwave Oven, 1.2 cu.ft,...
  • Microwave cooking made easy space-saving, 1. 2 Cu. Ft. 1200W stainless steel countertop oven with 11 power levels, smart controls and LED, 3 level popcorn button, 13. 4 inches turntable, easy clean interior, auto and manual controls.Operating Frequency : 2,450 MHz.
  • Inverter technology generates a seamless stream of microwave cooking power for evenly heated foods edges to center. Cavity Dimensions (H x W x D)- 9 15/16 x 13 15/16 x 14 3/8 inches
  • Smart cooking settings with genius sensor automatically adjusts power and times to take the guesswork out of everyday cooking; includes 16 sensor cook settings; Sensor reheat warms evenly to retain nutrients and texture in leftovers
SaleRANK NO. 10
Nostalgia Modern Retro Countertop Microwave Oven -...
  • 700-WATTS COOKING POWER: At 0.7 cubic foot, this microwave provides the cooking power needed to quickly cook and reheat foods.
  • AUTOMATIC PROGRAMS: Utilize the auto-cook microwave programs to cook your favorite foods easily and quickly: Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Frozen Dinner, Beverage, and Reheat.
  • FUNCTIONALITY: Also featured are two defrost modes (weight and time), a child safety lock, 10 power level settings, and an add 30 seconds button.
SaleRANK NO. 11
Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, Cu. Ft....
  • CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
  • POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
  • PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
SaleRANK NO. 12
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft....
  • PRE-PROGRAMMED SETTINGS: 6 presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, veggies, beverages, and leftovers take the guesswork out of perfectly cooked food.
  • LOW TO HIGH HEAT: 900 watts with 10 power levels offer better heating, defrosting, cooking, and more all in one compact microwave oven.
  • SAVE YOUR FAVORITE SETTINGS: Memory function saves frequently used settings to quickly start your cooking.
SaleRANK NO. 13
GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven | Complete with...
  • COOKING MADE SMARTER WITH WIFI POWERED BY SMART HQ: Voice-enabled cooking allows you to turn microwave on and off, add time or change power level via Alexa or Google Assistant; Scan-To-Cook Technology saves time and optimizes frozen food preparation
  • SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR, SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 900 watts of power and 0.9 cu. ft. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
  • EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf, with 39 inch power cord
SaleRANK NO. 14
SHARP SMC1162KS Oven with Removable 12.4" Carousel...
  • Medium-sized 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, 1000 watts, Stainless
  • New! Cooking platform and stylish design; New! Gray Interior; New! White LED Display; New! LED Interior Lighting
  • Orville Redenbacher's Certified Popcorn Presets
RANK NO. 15
Panasonic NN-SN76LS 1.6 cu.ft Cyclonic Inverter...
  • Delicious Food, Smarter Cooking with Panasonic Microwaves: Panasonic patented Cyclonic Wave Inverter technology evenly circulates heat in 3D waves for more even, efficient cooking with delicious results
  • Easier Microwaving with Genius Sensor and Auto Cook: 15 preset smart cooking options including fresh and frozen entrees and vegetables, oatmeal, soup, potatoes, pasta, pizza, rice and more
  • Minimum Countertop Footprint: Smart, compact design occupies less space for electronics and more for interior capacity: 11 15/16”H x 21 7/8”W x 19 7/16”D

Best Countertop Microwaves Buyer Guide

When it was invented, the microwave oven revolutionized the way we prepare food, in particular, because of its ability to defrost it very quickly. The technological evolution has increased its versatility, allowing it to be also used to heat dishes, both pre-cooked and those to be cooked from scratch.

The first choice you will have to make, therefore, is to decide whether you need an essential model, only to defrost and heat already cooked food or an appliance with many more functions, to be used in place of a traditional oven.

In this second case, you will have to focus on a product that is gaining more and more space on the market: the microwave with the grill, or with the ability to cook and brown food, thanks to a device that uses infrared rays to ensure proper cooking and give crunchiness to food.

A further step forward, in terms of completeness of the technological equipment, is represented by the function combined with the use of a dish called Crisp.

Made with unique materials capable of conveying the heat onto the food in a uniform way. In this way, you can make the meals more crunchy, fry using very little oil and even prepare and let rise cakes and soufflés.

Space Available

The microwaves are divided into two categories with different price ranges: those built and those that can be placed anywhere.

The former are designed to be inserted harmoniously into your kitchen, often lined up together with the traditional oven to create a real cooking zone. They are on average more massive and cumbersome, and their purchase must be “studied” to adapt the design of the environment to their presence.

Traditional microwaves are more comfortable to place, to which a shelf and a power socket are sufficient to be operational. They are typically smaller in size and have a capacity ranging from 18 to 30 litres, depending on your needs in terms of space and quantity of food to be heated.

Value for Money

Comparing the prices, you will notice that all the best brands have multiple microwave models in their price list, to cover the various needs. It goes without saying that to try to save money, it is necessary to accept some waivers, such as the ability of the appliance to steam or using ventilation.

Consider the type of use you plan to make of it in order not to find yourself with a feature-rich model that you will end up not using.

The same can be said regarding the dimensions, which should go hand in hand with those of the family unit, and the engine power, in order not to have excessive consumption on the bill.

A renunciation that should not be made is that of construction quality, because choosing a reliable microwave and assembled with quality materials guarantees a more extended duration over time.

If you are also interested in a good cooking plate, by clicking on the link you can read our reviews of some of the best models.

Steam Cooking and Forced Air

One of the cooking possibilities offered by this microwave oven, which is not always present on other models of the same market range, is the steam oven.

Through this function, it will, therefore, be possible to cook suitable foods while preserving everyone’s vitamins and nutrients. Also, a steamer is offered, which makes it extremely useful for quickly cooking pasta.

Another cooking mode offered by this versatile microwave oven is the “ventilated air” one that Whirlpool makes available by calling it Forced Air.

This is obtained thanks to the presence on the back of the microwave oven of a fan which takes care of spreading the heat as uniformly as possible over the entire surface of the food inserted inside. This is a function that is easier to find on a regular kitchen oven.

Chef Menu

To save time and be able to use the oven without significant problems, Whirlpool has provided a series of preset programs to cook a wide variety of dishes, many of which are among the most famous and appreciated of Italian cuisine.

In practice, using the various functions made available, you can prepare a dish quickly, given that the microwave oven will use the cooking function that is more suitable to what you are cooking.

Crispy Fries

For lovers of fried food, the Whirlpool microwave oven offers two ways to cook some particular dishes adequately. The first takes the name of Crisp Fry and is particularly suitable for frying various foods without adding a drop of oil. In this way, you can taste the classic fries without being greased as often happens when using a regular fryer.

The second function is called Dual Crisp and uses in combination the Forced Air system to have crispy food on the outside and soft and tasty on the inside. This system is ideal for preparing pizzas and cakes.

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